Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Soho Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Soho is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our customers, employees, contractors, and members of the public affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, lifting, loading, transporting, and delivering furniture and belongings in residential and commercial settings.

Policy Statement and Objectives

We recognise that professional removal services involve manual handling, vehicle operations, working in varied premises, and interaction with the public. Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and putting appropriate control measures in place. Health and safety considerations are integral to our planning, decision making, and day-to-day operations.

We are committed to continual improvement in our health and safety performance and to complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards applicable to moving and transport services.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy across all services and locations in which we operate. This includes:

Ensuring that risk assessments are carried out for typical removal tasks and for any non-routine work where additional hazards may be present. Providing appropriate equipment for lifting, carrying, loading, and securing items during transit. Making sure employees receive suitable training and supervision for their roles, including manual handling, safe driving, and the use of removal equipment. Investigating all accidents, incidents, and near misses so that causes are identified and corrective actions are taken.

Managers are expected to lead by example, to promote a positive safety culture, and to ensure that work is only carried out in a manner that protects people and property.

Employee Responsibilities

Every team member has a responsibility to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must:

Follow all health and safety instructions, procedures, and training provided. Use vehicles, equipment, and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects or concerns immediately. Refrain from taking shortcuts that could compromise safety or damage property. Report hazards, accidents, and near misses without delay so that appropriate action can be taken.

No employee is expected to carry out work they believe to be unsafe. Any concerns should be raised with a supervisor or manager before work continues.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our core services, including domestic removals, office moves, collection and delivery, and man and van loading and unloading. These assessments cover typical hazards such as manual handling of heavy or awkward loads, slips and trips, falls from steps or ramps, vehicle movements, and working in confined or cluttered spaces.

Based on these assessments, we implement safe working practices, which may include:

Planning each job in advance to identify access issues such as narrow stairways, restricted parking, or long carrying distances. Using lifting aids where possible and organising team lifts for heavy or bulky items. Ensuring floors and routes are as clear as reasonably practicable before moving large items. Avoiding overloading trolleys, ramps, or vehicles and checking that doors and tailgates are secure.

Safe systems of work are regularly reviewed to reflect experience, feedback, and changes in operating conditions.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key element of our activity. Employees receive guidance on good handling techniques, including assessing the load, planning the route, bending at the knees, keeping the load close to the body, and avoiding twisting while lifting. Where loads are too heavy or awkward for one person, team lifting procedures must be followed.

We provide suitable equipment, such as trolleys, dollies, straps, and blankets, to reduce the risk of injury and damage. Staff are trained in the safe use of this equipment and must not use any item for which they have not been trained or which appears damaged or defective.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition, with regular checks carried out in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Drivers must carry out routine pre-use inspections and report defects immediately.

Drivers are required to follow safe driving practices, including observing speed limits, securing loads correctly, avoiding distractions, and planning routes to reduce unnecessary risk. Parking for loading and unloading should be chosen with regard to the safety of staff, customers, and the public, and to minimise disruption to traffic and pedestrians.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our teams work in a variety of private and commercial premises. We take reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors, and the public by:

Assessing access routes and identifying any immediate hazards before starting work. Keeping work areas as tidy as practicable and avoiding leaving trip hazards such as straps, boxes, or tools in walkways. Taking extra care when moving large items through communal areas, hallways, and doorways. Communicating clearly with customers about where we are working and any temporary restrictions needed for safety.

We aim to leave all premises secure and as free from hazards as reasonably practicable when work is completed.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All employees receive induction training that includes our health and safety standards, safe lifting techniques, and the correct use of removal equipment. Ongoing training is provided where tasks or equipment change, or where further instruction is identified as necessary.

Supervisors monitor working practices and provide guidance and correction where required. We encourage open communication so that staff feel able to ask questions and raise concerns about safety at any time.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported promptly to management. Details are recorded and reviewed to identify trends and areas where improvements can be made. Where necessary, we revise risk assessments, procedures, or training in light of incident findings.

Emergency procedures are in place for situations such as fire, personal injury, vehicle accidents, or sudden illness. Staff are instructed to prioritise their own safety and that of others and to contact the appropriate emergency services where required.

Policy Review and Communication

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever significant changes occur in our operations, equipment, or legal requirements. Updates are communicated to all employees, and older versions are withdrawn from use.

By following this policy, Man with Van Soho aims to deliver removal and transport services that are efficient, reliable, and carried out with the highest regard for the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.